Independent Greeks MP goes on homophobic rant
In a move that exposed the ideological tensions within the leftist-led coalition, an MP for the populist, right-wing Independent Greeks (ANEL) party on Thursday delivered a tirade against homosexual and transsexual people.
“Can a transsexual work as teacher? Can a gay person work as babysitter?” Constantinos Katsikis said as Parliament discussed a bill on workplace equality, adding that ANEL would remain “faithful to our Christian and social beliefs as Greek patriots.”
SYRIZA deputies were slow to react to the comments, prompting PASOK and To Potami to request a vote by roll call on the bill for Friday.
ANEL has already voted against a so-called cohabitation agreement expanding the rights of unmarried couples.
Katsikis’s remarks were welcomed by the neofascist Golden Dawn party. “What should we expect next? Will it be legislation for zoophiles and pederasts?” said MP Ioannis Sachinidis.
